Senior Embedded Hardware & Firmware Engineer — Project Based

Job Summary Reporting to the Memory Validation leadership team, the Senior Silicon DDR/HBM Validation Engineer will be responsible for the bring-up, validation, characterization and debug of advanced memory subsystems used in next-generation AI compute platforms. The role will focus on DDR and HBM technologies, working closely with silicon design, firmware, characterization, platform and systems teams to ensure robust memory subsystem functionality, performance and reliability. The successful candidate will take ownership of significant validation activities, contribute to debug and root-cause analysis efforts, and help improve validation methodologies, automation and infrastructure. The Team The Memory Validation team sits within the Validation organisation and is responsible for the bring-up, validation, characterization and debug of memory subsystems across Graphcore silicon and platform products. The team supports DDR and HBM validation activities throughout the product lifecycle, from first silicon through production readiness. Engineers work closely with architecture, RTL, firmware, characterization, systems and platform teams to ensure memory technologies meet functionality, performance, reliability and performance objectives. Responsibilities and Duties * Execute validation and bring-up activities for DDR and HBM memory subsystems  * Verify memory bring-up software, firmware and scripts against defined project requirements  * Debug firmware, hardware and system-level issues and contribute to root-cause analysis activities  * Analyse system logs, validation data and characterization results to identify failures and performance issues  * Perform PHY characterization and analog-level analysis during stress testing and validation activities  * Develop and execute functional, stress, performance and corner-case validation tests  * Perform signal integrity, voltage, frequency and timing measurements using laboratory instrumentation  * Characterize memory bandwidth, latency, training behaviour and subsystem stability across operating conditions  * Develop Python-based automation, test infrastructure and reporting tools to improve validation efficiency  * Collaborate with architecture, RTL, firmware and platform teams to investigate and resolve technical issues  * Contribute to memory subsystem debug activities spanning silicon, firmware, board and system domains  * Support development of validation methodologies, debug procedures and reporting frameworks  * Contribute to continuous improvement of validation infrastructure and engineering processes  * Support silicon characterization, production readiness and qualification activities  * Document validation results and communicate findings to the wider engineering team  Candidate Profile Essential * Strong experience validating DDR, LPDDR, HBM or related DRAM technologies  * Deep understanding of DRAM architecture, memory subsystem operation and memory controller functionality  * Experience with firmware, BIOS and Embedded C development  * Strong programming skills in C and Python  * Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes and related measurement instrumentation  * Experience interfacing with low-speed peripherals including GPIO, SPI, I2C and UART/serial interfaces  * Experience performing functional testing and signal measurements including voltage, frequency and timing analysis  * Strong knowledge of embedded systems and microcontroller-based platforms  * Hands-on experience with board bring-up and hardware validation activities  * Experience debugging complex hardware, firmware and system-level issues  * Experience performing silicon characterization and analysing validation results  * Strong analytical, diagnostic and problem-solving skills  * Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams  Desirable * Experience with memory IP bring-up environments, firmware or validation software  * Experience with DDR or HBM PHY behaviour, memory controller architectures, training algorithms and calibration flows  * Knowledge of memory subsystem performance analysis and workload characterization  * Experience with memory margining, stress testing and reliability validation  * Familiarity with JTAG, trace infrastructure and low-level debug tools  * Experience with high-performance compute, AI accelerator or data center systems  * Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity considerations in high-speed memory systems  * Experience developing validation automation frameworks and regression environments  * Experience supporting first-silicon bring-up and production readiness activities

The Senior Software Engineer for the Product Development team is responsible for developing and sustaining software controlled electro-mechanical medical devices for minimally invasive surgery.  The role will collaborate with Mechanical and Electrical engineers to develop and/or sustain Class I and Class II products that meet the highest standards for accuracy, safety and operating functionality. The Senior Software Engineer may perform both R&D and sustaining engineering activities to launch new products and drive product line extensions and improvements for both OEM customers and our NTI-branded product lines. Design, Development and Testing * Understands and utilizes phase-gated design control process and other control processes throughout the entire product development lifecycle and commercialized product lifecycle * Creates appropriate software architecture and software specifications to meet high level product requirements and applicable standards * Develops, tests and debugs microprocessor-based C and assembly language software based on Software Specifications * Collaborate with an interdisciplinary engineering team through entire product development life cycle, from schematics and breadboards to system prototypes and V&V devices * Creates test protocols and test reports for software verification and validation for new product launches, design changes, and product line extensions * Helps ensure diagnostic and data acquisition software/equipment are adopted where appropriate to fully characterize software * May work closely with internal or customer Marketing dept to come up with ideas and concepts on new product offerings for unmet user needs * Identifies and reports problems to Staff Engineers or Management while providing direction and support to junior engineers   Planning, Support, and Collaboration * Manage assigned projects from start to finish; for major projects reports to Project Manager or Staff Engineers the scheduling and status of major project subsets * Assists in cross-department or cross-discipline collaborations to solve complex problems * Assists in collaborations with other departments such as Document Control, Manufacturing and Purchasing in the maintenance of software platforms, software installation procedures and commercial release of products * Assists in collaborations with Sales and Marketing as needed to understand user needs for new products and extensions or improvements to existing products * Assists in troubleshooting of non-conformances pertaining to the electronics and software portions of products * May observe surgeries, attend conferences, and plan/lead animal or cadaver labs to better understand user needs and/or test prototypes * Provide support to more junior Software Engineers as needed   Regulatory * Helps ensure all development guidelines and procedure requirements meet FDA and ISO requirements * Develops products in accordance with software lifecycle processes defined in IEC 62304 * Assists collaborations with external test agencies, design firms and consultants as appropriate to complete assigned projects   Health and Safety * Contribute to a safe work environment by complying with all federal & state laws, Northgate policies, procedures and OSHA, if applicable   Qualifications, Skills and Working Conditions * Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering * A minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in the medical device field or other highly regulated environment * A minimum of 1 year of Embedded Systems Development * Demonstrated experience creating software to solve problems or meet user needs * Practical experience building, testing, and troubleshooting microprocessor-controlled electromechanical devices * Fluent in C programming, Assembly and other software languages with ability to support migration to Linux for new developments * Experience with communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, RS232, ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi with awareness to cybersecurity best practices * Strong software troubleshooting skills and proficiency with debugger applications * Assists in digital transformation of legacy product line to next generation/connected devices, including the identification and adoption of new hardware and software * At least classroom experience with circuits and willingness and ability to learn to test and troubleshoot analog and digital circuitry * Basic understanding of printed circuit board layouts and schematics * Ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly * Experience reading patents and/or drafting invention disclosures * Experience completing Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), and willingness and ability to learn FDA Design Controls (FDA 21 CFR 820.30) and FDA 510(k) * Experience with safety risk management and providing FMEA and FTA as required on software/firmware * Excellent written and verbal communications skills * Demonstrated ability to work with other groups and collaborate with others in a team environment * Ability to prioritize effectively and handle shifting priorities professionally * Ability to accurately follow instructions to handle projects independently and work with a high level of independence without continuous supervision * Skilled with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)